SWANSEA City have confirmed Liverpool's pursuit of Joe Allen – but insist no deal is in place for them to sign the midfielder.

As revealed in yesterday's ECHO, the Reds are increasingly confident of landing the 22-year-old Wales international.

A bid of £15million would trigger a release clause in his contract but the Reds are hoping a lower fee, coupled with giving Swansea a player on a season-long loan, will help secure Allen.

Tottenham are also keen to snap him up but Allen, who is currently on duty with Team GB at the Olympics, has his heart set on a move to Anfield.

In a statement the Welsh club rubbished reports that a £13.5million deal had been agreed and insisted they are in no rush to sell their prized asset.

“Swansea City can confirm that Liverpool have expressed an interest in Joe Allen, despite a written agreement with Liverpool not to approach any players within the 12-month period of former manager Brendan Rodgers leaving for Anfield,” it read.

“There has also been interest from other clubs regarding his possible availability and the club is due to speak to Joe, as originally planned, about the situation when he returns from GB duty.

“The club is not prepared to release any details on whether any formal bids have been made at this stage or details of Joe’s contract, which are private and confidential.

“The club is extremely disappointed that speculation regarding certain aspects of his contract have been released to the media by parties outside the club.

“Fortunately the club is in a financial position where it does not need to sell any of its players and will continue to work in the best interests of its supporters, who are our priority, and the club to provide new manager Michael Laudrup with the best opportunity to be successful in the forthcoming Premier League campaign.”

Rodgers last week said: “I have a great relationship with Swansea but if there is a market for any of the players, I would like to be in that market.

“They respect that. He is a very talented player, which everyone knows, but there is nothing more at the moment.